The patient is a 33-year-old Asian man and, at present, he is reported to be in stable condition without any symptoms, a source from the Haad told Gulf News.

The man is the second individual in the UAE diagnosed with the infection this month. As reported by Gulf News on May 19, another Asian was also infected after transporting affected camels from Oman to Abu Dhabi. According to details revealed by the National International Heath Regulations (IHR) Focal Point of the UAE to the WHO, he is a 29-year-old Asian who works as a truck driver.

As part of a statement released by state news agency, WAM, the Haad said that both individuals are currently hospitalised in isolation wards as a precautionary measure. Based on previous cases, the authority expects the patients to recover from the virus within the next 10 to 14 days.

The Haad is also currently working to ensure that no people who have come in contact with the two infected individuals have been affected.

According to the latest disease outbreak report released by the WHO on May 18, a total of 1,118 cases of Mer-CoV infection have been registered worldwide since the virus was first discovered in September 2012. Of these cases, 423 patients have succumbed to the disease. The WHO count, however, does not include the infected patient confirmed by the Haad today (May 20).

In the WAM report, the UAE Ministry of Health also asserted that epidemiological investigation centres work round the clock to detect and report any infections.

A number of infected individuals in the UAE have recovered from Mers-CoV infections over the last year. But, in order to prevent further spread of the infection, diagnosed patients are typically hospitalised until they recover from the condition.

However, the last case diagnosed with the condition before the two people infected in May proved fatal. It pertained to a 38-year-old expatriate man who died on February 6.

Not enough is yet understood about the virus, but camels have been repeatedly linked to its transmission. Until there is further information, however, the WHO recommends that people with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease and immunocompromised status avoid close contact with animals, especially when visiting farms, barns and markets. In addition, health-care professionals advise frequent handwashing, as well as general food and hygiene measures.

The WHO also cautions against drinking raw camel milk, or eating meat that has not been properly cooked.

Dr Moeena Zain, infection disease specialist at the American Hospital Dubai, earlier told Gulf News that Mers-CoV seems to thrive at levels of humidity below 20 per cent, and temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.

There are, as yet, no special screenings or trade or travel restrictions recommended by the WHO for Mers-CoV.